The Wonder Of ChristmasSample

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Written By: Danny Saavedra

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16 (NKJV)

Since today is Christmas Day, I think we can all be completely honest with ourselves in admitting that we LOVE receiving gifts! It’s awesome. Seriously, what’s not to love about getting cool things from people who care about you? I remember the best gift ever given to me as a kid was a Nintendo 64, complete with Super Mario 64. Man, I got so many hours and so much enjoyment out of that console.

To this day, I still love receiving gifts. But, as an adult, particularly as a father, I’ve noticed something very interesting: I get way more enjoyment out of giving gifts. No gift I’ve received in adulthood has made me feel like I did when I was a kid, but whenever I give my son or daughter a gift they really want, seeing the excitement and happiness on their face brings that feeling back for me.

As I think about the reason we celebrate Christmas today, I’m reminded of Matthew 7:11 (NLT), which says, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” And, man, does our heavenly Father know how to give a gift!

John 3:16 tells us that God gave His only Son so that all those who believe would receive the gift of eternal life. Romans 8:32 (NIV) further elaborates by saying, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

As Christ-followers, we’ve received a gift that will keep on giving forever—a gift that will never get old, never break, never wear out, never be empty, and will never lose its value; the greatest gift the world has ever known . . . and all we have to do is believe. Jesus paid the ultimate, highest price to purchase this gift for us so that He could offer it to us freely! That’s why John 3:16 is the most well-known verse in the Bible, because it’s the most powerful and simplest expression of God’s love for us.

So today, as you celebrate Christmas, know that you aren’t the only one, because I know in my heart that our Father is in Heaven celebrating all those who are members of His family.

DIG: Do you remember the day you received the greatest gift of all—God’s gift of salvation?

DISCOVER: Have you ever led someone in a prayer to receive Christ’s gift of eternal life? If so, how did it feel to be used by God in this way?

DISPLAY: Celebrate today, the day Christ came to earth to seek and save that which was lost! And make an early resolution to seize every opportunity to share this gift with others in the coming year.